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Fishin' Fouls

Fishin' Fouls

the editors

Dos and don'ts on the river.

In fishing, as in life, etiquette is important. But we seem to have backslid a bit, into a more chaotic pattern of self-obsessed slights, ongoing offenses, and odious infractions that degrade the angling experience. To avert fishing fisticuffs and streamside vigilantism, we’ve compiled some rules. Read them, live them—because nobody likes a fish-hole.

Don’tFish too close to another personDoGive space, be polite, and respect other people’s attempts at solitude

Don’tTurn up your nose at the spin/bait anglerDoAppreciate variety, individual choice, and another angler’s decision to fish in a way that actually catches fish

Don’tLeave debris on the bankDoBe mindful to clean up excess line, bait boxes, and beer cans, and don’t be afraid to pick up others’ trash while you’re at it

Don’tHold a fish out of water too long, especially for superfluous photosDoKeep ’em wet and practice other catch-and-release techniques

Don’tDecry bobbers but use a strike indicator (they’re the same thing)DoMake things just a little easier on yourself; fish are smarter than you think

Don’tBe a guide with an attitude—it’s not your put-in and it’s not your riverDoCry foul when it’s appropriate and enforce good stewardship of the resource

Don’tBitch about catching whitefish or, even worse, throw them up on the bank to dieDoCatch whitefish—they’re native and you probably aren’t

Don’tJump in the hole right below or above someoneDoSee rule #1

Don’tWatch someone fish and just sit there, waiting for them to leaveDoMove along—these are blue-ribbon streams full of trout; you’ll find a good hole just around the bend

Don’tPass too closely to wade fishermen from a boatDoRespect the river’s right-of-way

Don’tDawdle at the boat ramp or pull in unpreparedDoGet your craft in and out quickly, so that others can enjoy their day

Don’tCorrect your friend’s facts and figures when he’s telling a taleDoRespect the art of the fish story, and the concept of creative license